My worst moments arrive at the worst possible times. If I'm in a situation where a bathroom is out of the question.

I'm going to be in my cousins wedding party soon and I just know the IBS will start up, I'm also flying to Florida to see my GFs parents and that will also cause a problem.

What does everyone else do in these situations? You can say "tough it out", but when your in a wedding standing up in the front of the church, I don't think I'll be able to hold it in, and running off in the middle of the ceremony to go to the bathroom just isn't possible either. Can you guys give me suggestions?

I get very nervous when it comes to those situations also. I believe many of us do! What I do before a plane trip or a wedding, is take a dose of Immodium the evening before and a dose in the morning. From what I have learned, this medication is ok to use on a regular basis. Some people get constipated from using it but, I don't and if I did, it would be ok with me!! I have also recently started taking three calcium pills a day. (one with each meal) and I've been sooooo much better and now, I'm not as nervous about things either. Deep breathing also has helped when I started "panicing" also. Try to relax and enjoy the trip!

Hi,
I do the same...Immodium...thank goodness for Immodium.
and I drink Gingerale...now i dont' know if that really helps..but it does in my mind...and i think that is half the battle.
I am also bad for not eating...if i know i am going to be somewhere i won't eat for the whole day until after the event. I know that probably isn't good..but at least i won't worry as much.

I sure hate having this disorder...as we all do..
Good luck!
Twiggy

I've been known to cancel getting my hair cut because I'm afraid I won't be able to sit in the chair for any length of time. I make dental appts only after 1pm for the same reason (and cancel half of them!)

Immodium and I are best of friends. I buy in bulk and usually end up taking it at least 4 out of 7 days. If I have plans I will not eat the day of, and also watch what I'm eating the day before (nothing greasy or spicy or known to give me problems).

I flew to Florida, did not eat til we arrived, made sure my seat was close to the bathroom....and wore Depends. :o Plus a sanitary pad. If I could have found rubber pants, I probably would have worn those too! Figured the more absorbant material between my *ahem* butt and my pants, the better.

I also carry another pair of underwear and toilet paper in my pocketbook... just in case.

Good Luck...and try not to dwell on "what if".... chances are nothing will happen and you'll have a great time! Keeping fingers crossed for you.

HI Seabell! Just want to tell you that I'm a hairdresser and only like going to work around noon when my system is settled down and I won't have to excuse myself during a haircut! So, looks like you and I are worried about the same thing! I've had a couple of customers have to get up in the middle of a haircut and, because I can sympothise, I tell them to "go ahead and take your time". I think a lot of us should just try to relax more about it or even explain the situation to people and we would worry less! So, next time you have a haircut appointment, go for it. If you have to use the bathroom, GO! No biggee!

I've had to postpone trips to my barber as well.

The hardest part is to not think of the "what ifs", but like we all know, its pretty hard to ignore them. I've had to change my work schedule to the grave yard shift, because I find that I was way to stressed, and prone to attacks when I worked during the day. I lost alot of weight becuase I ate one meal a day and hated the way I lived. So like I said, I went to nights and everything has been good. I feel like a normal person at work now, and now think of work as a "safe zone" rather than a place that may trigger an attack. Granted, working nights stinks, but if it prevents me from feeling the way I used to feel then I'm all for it.